Anxiety and PTSD in Teen Girls: What Parents Need to Know

Anxiety and PTSD in Teen Girls: What Parents Need to Know

Anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder are two things that can impact everyone. Teen girls may struggle with one or both of these types of disorders. The symptoms they exhibit may vary based off of the individual and the situations surrounding them. Pop singer, Ariana Grande, recently shared an image of her brain scan. Grande suffers from PTSD. Her scan was put next to a brain scan without PTSD to put things into perspective for viewers. Research proves that PTSD can alter the brain. The photos highlight the increased brain activity that occurs in the brain of one who has PTSD.

Identifying Anxiety and PTSD

Anxiety and PTSD in teen girls can have separate and similar effects. As a parent, it is important to recognize when your teen is struggling so that you can get them the help that they need. Common PTSD symptoms in teens include:

Avoiding situations that make them recall the traumatic event

Experiencing nightmares or flashbacks about the trauma

Playing in a way that repeats or recalls the trauma

Acting impulsively or aggressively

Feeling nervous or anxious frequently

Experiencing emotional numbness

Having trouble focusing at school

Anxiety can be a normal reaction to stress. However, there is a point where anxiety can translate into a more severe disorder. Anxiety can reveal itself through emotional, social, and physical changes. Here are some indicators to look for in your teen that can be a warning sign:

Avoiding social interactions with usual friends

Avoiding extracurricular activities

Isolating from peer group

Spending increased time alone

Frequent headaches, including migraines

Gastrointestinal problems

Unexplained aches and pains

Excessive fatigue

Complaints of not feeling well with no obvious medical cause

Changes in eating habits.

The Next Steps

After learning what anxiety and PTSD looks like in teen girls, it is important to make accommodations to help your teen address their struggles. Here are some quick tips on ways to get your teen the help they need:

Educate yourself on what PTSD and anxiety looks like in teens.

Look up resources in your area that may be helpful to your teen.

Confront your teen from a nurturing and caring perspective.

Ask them what you can do to support them.

Emphasize that they are not alone and that there are professionals that can help them learn healthy ways to manage their symptoms

Solstice East can help

Solstice East is a residential treatment center for young women ages 14-18 struggling with behavior and emotional issues such as those that can stem from peer-relationship struggles. This program focuses on helping young women heal, recover, and integrate healthy habits into their lives. Students will learn to build healthy relationships, cope with emotions, and effectively communicate. Solstice East gives young women the skills and confidence they need to lead happy and healthy lives. We can help your family today!